Diagnostic abdominal paracentesis and lavage in the evaluation of abdominal injuries in dogs and cats: clinical and experimental investigations.

Abdominal paracentesis and lavage, using a peritoneal dialysis catheter, was evaluated clinically for use in detecting intraabdominal injury in 20 dogs and 3 cats. The technique was also evaluated experimentally in 12 dogs in which various volumes of autogenous blood were infused into the abdomen. The procedure was found to be safe, well tolerated, and reliable in the detection of intraabdominal injuries. The volume of free blood in the abdomen of the experimental dogs was accurately determined. The procedure was superior to physical examination and to needle paracentesis for the early detection and evaluation of intraabdominal injuries.